Derby Dozen: Brody’s Cause proving to be fast learner

Closers have an inherent challenge in that their running style often leaves them at the mercy of pace and traffic scenarios.

In his young career, Brody’s Cause has demonstrated a turn of foot capable of overcoming such potential pitfalls.

Dale Romans joins fellow trainers Kiaran McLaughlin and Mark Casse in having arguably his best Kentucky Derby prospect ever at this stage. The big-striding Brody’s Cause was a non-factor when he made his career debut on turf last August but has been a top-caliber runner on the main track beginning with his maiden win at Churchill Downs last September.

His step up into graded stakes company was a grand one. The son of Giant’s Causeway rated next to last early on in the Grade I Breeders’ Futurity before driving home emphatically to defeat graded stakes winner Exaggerator by a length.

In the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the bay colt saved ground on the inside before angling his way through between horses to finish well for third, 2 3/4 lengths behind eventual champion Nyquist.

What sets Brody’s Cause apart is he learns his lessons quickly. It’s the kind of professionalism that is needed in a potential 20-horse melee.

Owner: Albaugh Family Stable

Trainer: Dale Romans

Breeders: Gabriel Duignan, William Arvin Jr. and Petaluma Bloodstock

Bloodline: Bay colt by Giant’s Causeway-Sweet Breanna, by Sahm

Career record: Four starts, 2-0-1, $523,138

Last start: Third in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Oct. 31

Next start: Grade II Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs on March 12.

Potential trouble: Has to work that much harder to carve out an ideal trip for himself given his running style.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 10:05 PM with the headline "Derby Dozen: Brody’s Cause proving to be fast learner."